Nâves, a small Savoyard village perched above the Tarentaise valley, is home to one of the finest Nordic sites in Savoie, both high-perched, wild and preserved. In winter, its cross-country ski area rises to over 2,000 metres, with often excellent snow, reasonable numbers of visitors, and snowshoe and Nordic hiking routes in unspoilt nature. Less well known than the major Tarentaise sites, Nâves cultivates a form of quiet authenticity, ideal for lovers of silence, forests and wide open spaces. In summer, the village offers routes to altitude lakes, the Nant du Beurre refuge or the summit of Le Quermoz. The only downside: you may find it hard to find accommodation on site, as guesthouses are few in number.
Nâves
Overview
Nâves
📏 Altitude: 1550 m
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 42 km
🌟 Resort style: Snow stadium
💰 From 10 €/day (2025-2026)
Overview of Nâves
Naves is a typical mountain village, made up of several hamlets (Grand-Naves, Petit-Naves…) nestled on a mountainside at 1,320 m altitude. The buildings are old and preserved, with stone houses and sloping lanes. No massive urbanisation here: the village retains its peasant soul, with restored barns, a small church and a few accommodation options integrated into the local fabric. The Nordic ski area begins just above, on the Tovet plateau, accessible on foot or by shuttle. The Tovet chalet — modern but discreet — marks the trail departure point, with its warm room and wooded atmosphere. The whole forms a sober, integrated and harmonious site where you feel that the mountains remain a priority over tourism.
Our review — Nâves
2.8/5
Ski area — key figures — Nâves
- 🌟 Snow stadium (Savoie)
- 📏 1550 m Village altitude (2050 m Top altitude)
When to visit
Nâves in summer
In summer, Naves returns to its rural and pastoral rhythm — herds on the high pastures, flower-lined paths and walks towards the ridges or lakes. From Grand-Naves, several marked routes lead to the Quermoz, the Col du Va or the Nant du Beurre refuge, in a gentle high-mountain atmosphere. The village also hosts a few cultural events and workshops around local craftsmanship. It is an ideal base for walking away from the large Tarentaise resorts, with simple but warm welcome in gites and chambres d’hotes. The calm, open landscapes, flora and absence of mass tourism make it a true summer refuge for contemplative walkers.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Nâves in winter
In winter, Naves becomes a leading Nordic ski destination in Savoie, with 49 km of groomed trails between 1,550 and 2,080 m, in a setting of forests and snowy high pastures. The quality of the snowpack is exceptional, particularly at the heart of the season. The Nordic ski area is complemented by 27 km of snowshoe trails, a free-access ski touring area and a welcoming warm room. People come here to ski in calm and nature, far from chairlift queues. The atmosphere is family-oriented, sporty or contemplative, depending on your mood. The Nordic ski school offers initiation sessions, themed outings and biathlon. This is a rare site where the mountains are still experienced without artifice, in a spirit of freedom, as close to the snow as possible.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Nâves: Nâves (nordique).
Cross-country ski area — Nâves
⛰️ Altitudes: 1550 m – 2085 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 49 km
💰 Day pass: 10 €
Considered one of the highest and most atypical sites in Savoie, the Naves Nordic ski area holds the prestigious 4 Sapins label from Nordic France. Located on the commune of La Lechere, above Valmorel, this preserved site offers an exceptional setting and great tranquillity, far from the overcrowded Tarentaise resorts. Its high altitude — with a departure at the Tovet hamlet at 1,550 metres — guarantees quality snow throughout the season, with superb panoramas over the Lauziere, Vanoise and Beaufortain massifs. The heart of the ski area consists of 49 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, groomed daily for both classic and skating technique. Varied routes allow all levels of Nordic skier to find what they are looking for. The ski area also offers 27 kilometres of marked and maintained routes for pedestrians, snowshoers and fat bikers. For ski touring enthusiasts, 3 specific routes are marked (but not groomed or secured), offering fine ascents to summits such as the Grand Cretet or the Quermoz. The site has a modern biathlon stadium with a permanent shooting range where initiation sessions are offered. At Grand Naves, the Maison de la Montagne centralises all services. Weekend and school holiday shuttles serve the site from the village of Grand-Naves.
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Ski pass prices — Nâves
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Nâves.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nâves (nordique skiing) | 10 € | 42 € | 72 € | 2025-2026 |
Where to stay
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